Teen With Semiautomatic Handgun Robs Man Near La Mesa Middle School

A boy perhaps 16 or 17 with a semiautomatic handgun robbed a 23-year-old man of an iPod about 9:30 p.m. near La Mesa Middle School, authorities said.

The robbery occurred in the parking lot of Highwood Park at 7777 Junior High Drive—also home to a teen center operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County. The victim wasn’t hurt, police said.

“The … victim was walking in the parking lot when he was approached by a black male juvenile,” said police Lt.  Ray Sweeney. “The juvenile displayed a large caliber semi-automatic handgun and demanded that the victim empty his pockets onto the ground.” 

The assailant told the victim to run, which he did. The robber was last seen running westbound on Junior High Drive towards Parks Avenue, police said. 

“The victim ran home before calling the police,” Sweeney said. “A search of the area by LMPD and San Diego A.B.L.E. was negative for the suspect. The suspect is still outstanding.”

The assailant was described as a black male juvenile, 16 or 17 years old with a thin build. The robber had black Afro-style hair that was about one inch in length and wore a red and black hoodie with numbers on the front and jeans. 

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call the La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (sdcrimestoppers.com).  You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.